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The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites
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The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecology and Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 23136

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Maciej Skoracki

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Morphology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
Interests: acarology; mite parasites; quill mites; host-parasite relationships; communities of bird parasites; evolution; ecology
Dr. Monika Fajfer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: acarology; parasitology; herpetology; ecology; evolution; biodiversity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Animals journal is about to launch a Special Issue dedicated to studies on the ecology, evolution, systematics, and behaviour of mites.

“Acari”, due to their small size and remarkable phenotypic plasticity, can adapt to a wide range of habitats. They are essential components in many ecosystems. Currently, numerous new species have been found each year; however, the species diversity of mites is still underestimated, and it is clear that most living species have yet been discovered and described. Recent advancements relative to new molecular methods have introduced new possibilities for studying the evolutionary history of mites; as a result, many taxa systematics are being reshaped, and several new hypotheses on internal relationships and evolution within different mite taxa have been proposed. All these research studies provided ground for further studies on the ecology and behaviour of this fauna, which is laborious work. Many details of the behaviour and life history of mites, even among intensively studied species, still remain unknown.

Therefore, this Special Issue is an opportunity to combine and synthesize data from different research fields. We invite high-quality original papers on the systematics, distribution, ecology, evolution, behaviour, or conservation of the studied mite taxa. Reviews and surveys that provide new relevant insights in the above-mentioned research areas are also welcomed.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Maciej Skoracki
Dr. Monika Fajfer
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • mites
  • Acari
  • ecology
  • evolution
  • taxonomy
  • phylogeny
  • biodiversity

Published Papers (24 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 164 KiB  
Editorial
The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Behaviour of Mites
by Maciej Skoracki and Monika Fajfer-Jakubek
Animals 2024, 14(8), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14081142 - 09 Apr 2024
Viewed by 341
Abstract
In the intricate web of biodiversity, mites serve as fundamental, yet often overlooked, architects, playing essential roles in ecosystems across the globe [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Other

21 pages, 2382 KiB  
Article
Multi-Locus Sequence Analysis Indicates Potential Cryptic Speciation in the Chigger Mite Neoschoengastia gallinarum (Hatori, 1920) Parasitising Birds in Asia
by Praveena Rajasegaran, Sirikamon Koosakulnirand, Kim-Kee Tan, Jing Jing Khoo, Youseuf Suliman, Mohammad Saiful Mansor, Mohd K. S. Ahmad Khusaini, Sazaly AbuBakar, Kittipong Chaisiri, Serge Morand, Zubaidah Ya’cob and Benjamin L. Makepeace
Animals 2024, 14(6), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060980 - 21 Mar 2024
Viewed by 699
Abstract
Neoschoengastia gallinarum is widely distributed in Asia, preferentially parasitising birds, and heavy infestations have clinical impacts on domestic fowl. In common with other trombiculid mites, the genetic diversity and potential variation in host preferences or pathology induced by N. gallinarum are poorly understood. [...] Read more.
Neoschoengastia gallinarum is widely distributed in Asia, preferentially parasitising birds, and heavy infestations have clinical impacts on domestic fowl. In common with other trombiculid mites, the genetic diversity and potential variation in host preferences or pathology induced by N. gallinarum are poorly understood. This study aimed to unravel the geographical variation and population structure of N. gallinarum collected from galliform birds in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand by inference from concatenated mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and nuclear-encoded internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA gene sequences, including a comparison with previously published data from southeastern China. Our multi-locus sequence analysis revealed three monophyletic clades comprising (A) specimens from Peninsular Malaysia, (B) the samples from Thailand together with a minority of Chinese sequences, and (C) the majority of sequences from China. Similarly, most species delimitation approaches divided the specimens into three operational taxonomic units. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 96.41% genetic divergence between Malaysian and Thai populations, further supported by the absence of gene flow (Nm = 0.01). In conclusion, despite the two countries sharing a land border, populations of N. gallinarum from Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand appear to be genetically segregated and may represent distinct cryptic species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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15 pages, 4721 KiB  
Article
Three New Species of Aceria (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) from China
by Mengchao Tan, Ranran Lian, Hongyan Ruan and Xuhui Liang
Animals 2024, 14(5), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050720 - 25 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 580
Abstract
Three new Aceria species from South China are described and illustrated. Aceria bischofiaesp. nov. was collected on Bischofia javanica Blume (Phyllanthaceae), inducing galls on surfaces of the leaves; Aceria cryptocaryaesp. nov. was collected on Cryptocarya metcalfiana Allen (Lauraceae), causing the formation [...] Read more.
Three new Aceria species from South China are described and illustrated. Aceria bischofiaesp. nov. was collected on Bischofia javanica Blume (Phyllanthaceae), inducing galls on surfaces of the leaves; Aceria cryptocaryaesp. nov. was collected on Cryptocarya metcalfiana Allen (Lauraceae), causing the formation of erinea on the undersurface of the leaves; and Aceria buddlejaesp. nov. was collected as a vagrant on Buddleja lindleyana Fort. (Scrophulariaceae) leaves, and no symptoms were observed on the host plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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27 pages, 29132 KiB  
Article
Morphological Ontogeny, Ecology, and Biogeography of Fuscozetes fuscipes (Acari, Oribatida, Ceratozetidae)
by Stanisław Seniczak, Anna Seniczak and Bjarte H. Jordal
Animals 2024, 14(4), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040538 - 06 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 559
Abstract
The systematic status of Fuscozetes Sellnick, 1928, is not clear in the literature. Therefore, the morphological ontogeny of F. fuscipes (C.L. Koch, 1844), the type species of this genus, was investigated and compared with its congeners in this study, and a new [...] Read more.
The systematic status of Fuscozetes Sellnick, 1928, is not clear in the literature. Therefore, the morphological ontogeny of F. fuscipes (C.L. Koch, 1844), the type species of this genus, was investigated and compared with its congeners in this study, and a new diagnosis of Fuscozetes is given. The juveniles of F. fuscipes are light brown, with a brown prodorsum, sclerites, epimeres, and legs. In all juveniles, a humeral organ and a humeral macrosclerite are present. The gastronotum of the larva has 12 pairs of setae (h3 is present), whereas the nymphs have 15 pairs. In the larva, the gastronotal shield is weakly developed, and most gastronotal setae are short except for a slightly longer h2. Most of the gastronotal setae are inserted on the microsclerites except for h3, and several other macrosclerites and many microsclerites are present on the hysterosoma. In the nymphs, the gastronotal shield is well developed, with 10 pairs of setae (d-, l-, and h-series, and p1), and setae p2 and p3 are located on a large posteroventral macrosclerite. In all the instars, femora I and II are oval in cross-section, without a large ventral carina. Mitochondrial COI sequence data revealed a deep split between the Nearctic and Palearctic populations of F. fuscipes, and a less, but significant, divergence within each continent. These strong geographical barriers were contrasted with multiple cases of shared haplotypes over long distances in the Palearctic, indicating high migration rates in modern times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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25 pages, 2070 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Quill Mites of the Genus Syringophiloidus Kethley, 1970 (Prostigmata: Syringophilidae) with Six New-to-Science Species
by Eliza Glowska, Izabella Laniecka, Kamila Ostrowska, Christina A. Gebhard, Julia Olechnowicz and Miroslawa Dabert
Animals 2023, 13(24), 3877; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243877 - 16 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 710
Abstract
Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) are poorly explored bird parasites. Syringophiloidus Kethley, 1970, is the most specious and widespread genus in this family. It is believed to contain mono-, steno- and poly-xenous parasites and thus seems to be an exemplary for studies on biodiversity [...] Read more.
Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) are poorly explored bird parasites. Syringophiloidus Kethley, 1970, is the most specious and widespread genus in this family. It is believed to contain mono-, steno- and poly-xenous parasites and thus seems to be an exemplary for studies on biodiversity and host associations. In this work, we applied the DNA barcode marker (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene fragment, COI) to analyze the species composition and host specificity of representatives of fifteen Syringophiloidus populations parasitizing fifteen bird species. The neighbor joining analyses distinguished thirteen monophyletic lineages, almost completely corresponding to seven previously known species recognized based on morphological features, and six new-to-science species. The only exception is S. amazilia Skoracki, 2017, which is most likely conspecific with Syringophiloidus stawarczyki Skoracki, 2004. The intraspecific distances of all species were not higher than 0.9%, whilst the interspecific diversity ranged from 5.9% to 19.2% and 6.3–22.4%, inferred as the distances p and K2P, respectively. Although all putative species (except S. amazilia) are highly supported, the relationships between them have not been fully resolved and only faintly indicate that both host phylogeny and distributions influence the phylogenetic structure of quill mite taxa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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17 pages, 298 KiB  
Article
Taxonomy of the Family Teneriffiidae (Acari: Prostigmata: Anystoidea): Generic Synonymies with the Key to World Species of the Family
by Jawwad Hassan Mirza, Muhammad Kamran and Fahad Jaber Alatawi
Animals 2023, 13(23), 3736; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233736 - 02 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 685
Abstract
The family Teneriffiidae Thor has an equivocal and patchy generic history due to a lack of proper diagnostic character/s, causing the addition of an over-sufficient number of genera (i.e., nine) for the 28 described species. The present study aimed to resolve those taxonomic [...] Read more.
The family Teneriffiidae Thor has an equivocal and patchy generic history due to a lack of proper diagnostic character/s, causing the addition of an over-sufficient number of genera (i.e., nine) for the 28 described species. The present study aimed to resolve those taxonomic uncertainties related to generic divisions and species assignments by thoroughly reviewing all the published literature of the family, identifying key diagnostic character/s for generic divisions while debating on previously used morphological features. In the present research, only two genera, Teneriffia Thor and Parateneriffia Thor, are considered valid genera in the family Teneriffiidae, based on the absence and presence of palpgenu oncophysis, respectively. The previously used other generic diagnostic characters such as coxal setal formula, pectination strength of leg claws, absence or presence of genital papillae, genital discs, and pedal solenidion have been argued for their inconsistencies. A total of four species were synonymized with the closely related species, while additional notes for six poorly described species are given. Moreover, the key to the genera and species of the family Teneriffiidae is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
27 pages, 123425 KiB  
Article
Morphological Ontogeny and Ecology of a Common Peatland Mite, Nanhermannia coronata (Acari, Oribatida, Nanhermanniidae)
by Stanisław Seniczak and Anna Seniczak
Animals 2023, 13(22), 3590; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13223590 - 20 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 732
Abstract
Nanhermannia coronata Berlese, 1913, is a common and abundant oribatid species in peatlands but can be easily mistaken for N. sellnicki Forsslund, 1958, as an adult. Therefore, the identity of adults of N. coronata from several sites in Norway and Ireland [...] Read more.
Nanhermannia coronata Berlese, 1913, is a common and abundant oribatid species in peatlands but can be easily mistaken for N. sellnicki Forsslund, 1958, as an adult. Therefore, the identity of adults of N. coronata from several sites in Norway and Ireland was supported by the COI sequence data, and based on this material, the morphological ontogeny of this species is described and illustrated to highlight the differences between N. coronata and N. sellnicki. In all juvenile stages of N. coronata, the bothridial seta is absent, but two pairs of exobothridial setae are present, including short exp and exa reduced to its alveolus. In the larva, seta f1 is setiform, but in the nymphs, it is reduced to its alveolus. Most prodorsal and gastronotal setae of larva are short, and of nymphs they are long. In all instars, the leg segments are oval in cross section and relatively thick, and many setae on tarsi are relatively short, thick and conical, except for longer apical setae. Seta d accompanies solenidion σ on all genua, φ1 on tibia I and φ on other tibiae. We found some morphological characters that clearly differentiate N. coronata from N. sellnicki, like the number of setae on femora of adults and tritonymphs, the shape of insertions of prodorsal seta in and all gastronotal and adanal setae of juveniles; in N. sellnicki, these setae are inserted in small individual depressions, whereas in N. coronata, these depressions are absent. Our ecological observations confirm a common occurrence of N. coronata in raised bogs, a high percentage of juvenile stages in its populations and a preference of this species for humid microhabitats, whereas N. sellnicki is less common than N. coronata and occurs in drier habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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11 pages, 3696 KiB  
Article
Communities of Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata) in Nest Boxes Inhabited by Dormice (Glis glis and Muscardinus avellanarius) and Differences in Percentages of Nidicoles in Nests of Various Hosts
by Jerzy Błoszyk, Grzegorz Hebda, Marta Kulczak, Michał Zacharyasiewicz, Tomasz Rutkowski and Agnieszka Napierała
Animals 2023, 13(22), 3567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13223567 - 18 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 725
Abstract
Bird and mammal nests and nest boxes constitute microenvironments in which various groups of invertebrates can live, including mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata). The main aim of the current study was to ascertain the characteristics of mite communities from the suborder [...] Read more.
Bird and mammal nests and nest boxes constitute microenvironments in which various groups of invertebrates can live, including mites from the suborder Uropodina (Acari: Mesostigmata). The main aim of the current study was to ascertain the characteristics of mite communities from the suborder Uropodina, which inhabit the nests of dormice (Gliridae) built in nest boxes. The second aim of the study was to compare the habitat preferences of Leiodinychus orbicularis (C. L. Koch) and Apionoseius infirmus (Berlese), i.e., two typically nest-dwelling species of Uropodina. The material for the study was collected from nest boxes in six forest complexes in southwestern Poland. The conducted research revealed the presence of five species of Uropodina, with a total number of 559 specimens, in the examined boxes. Leiodinychus orbicularis was found in almost half of all of the examined boxes and was a superdominant species in the communities. The analysis of the habitat preferences of the two nest species of Uropodina showed that A. infirmus preferred old natural nests, in which the communities were formed from a larger number of species, without a significant statistical prevalence of one species. On the other hand, L. orbicularis occurred sporadically in open bird nests, but was very numerous and frequent in nest boxes. The significant dominance of L. orbicularis in nest boxes can probably be explained by the specific conditions prevailing in this type of microhabitat, including the very low humidity and food resources that this mite species prefers compared to other species of Uropodina. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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13 pages, 10021 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Host Plants on Life Type Characteristics of Three Spider Mite Pests (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae)
by Hafiz Muhammad Saqib Mushtaq, Hafiz Muhammad Sajid Ali, Muhammad Kamran and Fahad Jaber Alatawi
Animals 2023, 13(22), 3433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13223433 - 07 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1416
Abstract
The present study evaluated the host plant effect on life type characteristics of three important spider mite pest species, Tetranychus urticae Koch, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein), and E. palmatus Attiah (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae), based on both field and laboratory observations. The polyphagous species, T. [...] Read more.
The present study evaluated the host plant effect on life type characteristics of three important spider mite pest species, Tetranychus urticae Koch, Eutetranychus orientalis (Klein), and E. palmatus Attiah (Acari: Prostigmata: Tetranychidae), based on both field and laboratory observations. The polyphagous species, T. urticae with complicated web (CW-u) life type, occupying unstable habitats, showed variations in the sites for quiescence (SQ), sites for oviposition (SO), sites for defecation (SD), and webbing density (WD) on different annual/perennial host plants. The SQ, SO, and SD of T. urticae were observed either on the leaf, web threads, or trichomes. Tetranychus urticae constructed the lowest WD on tomato plants and the highest WD on maize/mulberry plants. Two spider mite species of the genus Eutetranychus Banks, the polyphagous E. orientalis and the oligophagous E. palmatus, inhabit stable host plants, depicted in the little web (LW-j) life types with persistency in all characteristics on different plants. It is concluded that polyphagous spider mites have restricted their life types, showing their high adaptability to utilize the resources of different host plants for survival with slight variation in some important life type characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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26 pages, 1151 KiB  
Article
Tenuipalpus Sensu Lato Donnadieu (Acari: Prostigmata: Tenuipalpidae); New Species Groups, a New Species, and Keys to the World Species
by Nasreldeen Ahmed Elgoni, Muhammad Kamran and Fahad Jaber Alatawi
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203278 - 20 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 853
Abstract
Four new species groups of the Tenuipalpus sensu lato group are proposed in the present study based on the total number of dorsal opisthosomal setae, namely, carolinensis with ten pairs of setae (214 species), dubinini with nine pairs of setae (33 species), granati [...] Read more.
Four new species groups of the Tenuipalpus sensu lato group are proposed in the present study based on the total number of dorsal opisthosomal setae, namely, carolinensis with ten pairs of setae (214 species), dubinini with nine pairs of setae (33 species), granati with eight pairs of setae (29 species), and barticanus with seven pairs of setae (7 species) Additionally, diagnostic keys to species groups and 273 species of the Tenuipalpus sensu lato are provided. Three species, T. lustrabilis Chaudhri, T. guptai Sadana and Gupta, and T. solanensis Sadana and Gupta, are synonymized with T. punicae Pritchard and Baker. One species, T. rodionovi Chalilova, is suggested as a junior synonym of T. granati Sayed, and eight species, T. chiococcae De Leon, T. costarricensis Salas and Ochoa, T. ephedrae Livschitz and Mitrofanov, T. molinai Evans, T. santae Manson, T. simplychus Cromroy, T. tetrazygiae De Leon, and T. oxalis (Flechtmann), belonging to the carolinensis species group, are not included in the key. Furthermore, a new species of Tenuipalpus sensu lato, T. jazanensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on females collected from the Chamaerops spp. (Arecaceae). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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15 pages, 1594 KiB  
Article
Mites Living in the Nests of the White Stork and Black Stork in Microhabitats of the Forest Environment and Agrocenoses
by Radomir Graczyk, Piotr Indykiewicz, Adam Olszewski and Marcin Tobółka
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203189 - 12 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 838
Abstract
The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) and the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) are well-known model organisms for the study of bird migration, as well as the selectivity of nesting sites and the choice of living environment. The former breeds mainly [...] Read more.
The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) and the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) are well-known model organisms for the study of bird migration, as well as the selectivity of nesting sites and the choice of living environment. The former breeds mainly in open areas, while the latter inhabits forest areas. The acarofauna, and in particular Oribatida, inhabiting the nests of these species, has not been thoroughly explored so far. Therefore, we analyzed the material collected from 70 White Stork nests and 34 Black Stork nests in Poland, between Poznań and Rawicz, and in Kampinos National Park. Our research has increased the faunal and ecological knowledge of the mite fauna inhabiting the nests of large migratory bird species. Oribatida constituted 5–12% of the total mites identified in the nests of White and Black Storks. Their average number was several times higher in the Black Stork nests (80.2 individuals in 500 cm3). Also, the species diversity of moss mites was greater in the Black Stork nests (47 species). In total, the nests of the two stork species were inhabited by 62 moss mite species, with only 22 recorded in both the White and the Black Storks’ nests. The most numerous species included Ramusella clavipectinata, R. fasciata, Oppiella subpectinata, Acrogalumna longipluma, and Scheloribates laevigatus. In addition, we found that juvenile oribatid mites accounted for 0.6% of all the mites in the White Stork nests, with tritonymphs having the largest share, while juveniles in the Black Stork nests comprised 1.4%, of which larvae and protonymphs had the largest share. Our research shows that the nests of large migratory birds provide living space for many mite species. In addition, we noted the potential importance of White and Black Stork nests for mite dispersion and the evolution of interspecies interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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12 pages, 10393 KiB  
Article
Diversity and Distribution of Mites (ACARI) Revealed by Contamination Survey in Public Genomic Databases
by Jiazheng Xie and Yi Zhang
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3172; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203172 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1165
Abstract
Acari (mites and ticks) are a biodiverse group of microarthropods within the Arachnida. Because of their diminutive size, mites are often overlooked. We hypothesized that mites, like other closely related microorganisms, could also contaminate public genomic database. Here, using a strategy based on [...] Read more.
Acari (mites and ticks) are a biodiverse group of microarthropods within the Arachnida. Because of their diminutive size, mites are often overlooked. We hypothesized that mites, like other closely related microorganisms, could also contaminate public genomic database. Here, using a strategy based on DNA barcodes previously reported, we scanned contaminations related to mites (Acari, exclusive of Ixodida) in Genbank WGS/TSA database. In 22,114 assemblies (17,845 animal and 4269 plant projects), 1717 contigs in 681 assemblies (3.1%) were detected as mite contaminations. Additional taxonomic analysis showed the following: (1) most of the contaminants (1445/1717) were from the specimens of Magnoliopsida, Insecta and Pinopsida; (2) the contamination rates were higher in plant or TSA projects; (3) mite distribution among different classes of hosts varied considerably. Additional phylogenetic analysis of these contaminated contigs further revealed complicated mite-host associations. Overall, we conducted a first systemic survey and analysis of mite contaminations in public genomic database, and these DNA barcode related mite contigs will provide a valuable resource of information for understanding the diversity and phylogeny of mites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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19 pages, 39364 KiB  
Article
Life Stages and Phylogenetic Position of the New Scale-Mite of the Genus Neopterygosoma (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) from Robert’s Tree Iguana
by Monika Fajfer and Maciej Skoracki
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2809; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172809 - 04 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 950
Abstract
A new pterygosomatid mite species, Neopterygosoma robertmertensi sp. n. (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) was collected from two specimens of Liolaemus robertmertensi (Liolaemidae) from Argentina. This new species is described based on active stages: adults (female and male) and juveniles (deutonymphs, protonymphs, and larvae) and quiescent [...] Read more.
A new pterygosomatid mite species, Neopterygosoma robertmertensi sp. n. (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) was collected from two specimens of Liolaemus robertmertensi (Liolaemidae) from Argentina. This new species is described based on active stages: adults (female and male) and juveniles (deutonymphs, protonymphs, and larvae) and quiescent stages (nymphchrysalis, deutochrysalis and imagochrysalis). The changes in morphological characters that occur during the ontogeny of N. robertmertensi have been analyzed in detail. A difference in larval sex morphology was observed for the first time in the family Pterygosomatidae (female larvae differ from male larvae in terms of the shape and size of the idiosoma and the position of the genital area). This new mite species is most similar to N. cyanogasteri but can be distinguished by the presence of different leg chaetotaxy patterns of genua IV and femora IV, four to six genital setae, three to five dorsomedial setae, and two to three ventromedial setae. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on 120 morphological characters of all Neopterygosoma spp. and four outgroup species using the maximum parsimony approach. The results indicated that this species is nested within mites of the chilensis group of Neopterygosoma associated with host species of the section chiliensis of Liolaemus s. str. An updated diagnosis of the chilensis group of Neopterygosoma and an identification key for all species of this genus has been provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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12 pages, 2027 KiB  
Article
Tinamiphilopsis temmincki sp. n., a New Quill Mite Species from Tataupa Tinamou, and the Early History of Syringophilid Mites
by Maciej Skoracki, Monika Fajfer, Martin Hromada, Jan Hušek and Bozena Sikora
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2728; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172728 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 810
Abstract
The quill mite fauna of the Syringophilidae family (Acariformes: Prostigmata), which is associated with palaeognathous birds of the Tinamiformes order, remains poorly studied. Thus far, only two species of syringophilid mites have been documented on four species of tinamous. In this study, we [...] Read more.
The quill mite fauna of the Syringophilidae family (Acariformes: Prostigmata), which is associated with palaeognathous birds of the Tinamiformes order, remains poorly studied. Thus far, only two species of syringophilid mites have been documented on four species of tinamous. In this study, we present a description of a new species, Tinamiphilopsis temmincki sp. n., which was found on the Tataupa Tinamou (Crypturellus tataupa) in South America. This newly identified species differs from others in the genus due to the short hysteronotal setae d2 in females, unlike the long setae d2 found in females of other Tinamiphilopsis species. In addition to describing the new species, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the primitive syringophilid genera. The results reveal that the Tinamiphilopsis genus does not emerge as a sister group to all other syringophilids. Instead, it is deeply embedded within the radiation of quill mites associated with neognathous birds. This study provided evidence that mites belonging to the genus Tinamiphilopsis initially parasitised Neoavian birds before host switching to tinamous birds. This placement carries significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of quill mites and their relationship with their avian hosts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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12 pages, 1152 KiB  
Article
A New Species of Demodex (Acariformes: Prostigmata) Observed in the Mouflon, Ovis aries musimon (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) with Data on the Parasitism and Occurrence of Other Ectoparasites
by Paulina Kozina, Joanna N. Izdebska and Leszek Rolbiecki
Animals 2023, 13(16), 2619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162619 - 14 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 996
Abstract
A greater understanding of mite biodiversity and ecology can explain their preference for microhabitats within host bodies, i.e., as ecto-, meso-, and endoparasites. Similarly, learning about the patterns formed by mite communities in wild animals can shed light on the mechanisms of parasitosis [...] Read more.
A greater understanding of mite biodiversity and ecology can explain their preference for microhabitats within host bodies, i.e., as ecto-, meso-, and endoparasites. Similarly, learning about the patterns formed by mite communities in wild animals can shed light on the mechanisms of parasitosis development in their domesticated counterparts. Hence, the present study examined the acarofauna of the mouflon, introduced to Poland in the early 20th century from a region of endemic occurrence. Forty-one individuals were examined for the presence of ectoparasites between 2010 and 2013; later, skin fragments were analysed for the presence of skin mites. A new species of Demodecidae, Demodex musimonis sp. nov., was discovered in the skin of the pasterns of 14.6% mouflons, as well as the ectoparasitic tick Ixodes ricinus (prevalence 29.3%) and ungulate-typical fly Lipoptena cervi (34.1%). However, no mites typical for ovine Ovis (Psorergatidae, Psoroptidae) were noted, nor any colonisation of microhabitats by species from local ungulates, resulting from the loss of original parasites during the introduction. A comparison of the acarofauna of the mouflon and domestic sheep Ovis aries aries suggests that a mite community with a complex structure and the co-occurrence of different families may be formed. However, it is not known whether the acarofauna of domestic sheep is derived from wild ancestors or the process of domestication. Even so, the peculiar Demodecidae must have been part of the natural parasitofauna of wild sheep, of which only D. musimonis sp. nov. has been recognised so far. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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18 pages, 5110 KiB  
Article
Ptyctimous Mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Peru with the Description of an Extraordinary New Phthiracaroid Mite from the Peruvian Andes
by Wojciech Niedbała, Zbigniew Adamski, Ronald Laniecki and Wojciech L. Magowski
Animals 2023, 13(15), 2403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152403 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 940
Abstract
Protophthiracarus afthonos sp. nov. is described and illustrated using line drawings, transmitted light and SEM imaging. It is characterized by an extraordinary richness of notogastral setae (ca. 166 pairs) that has been previously unseen among phthiracaroid mites. The species originates from the material [...] Read more.
Protophthiracarus afthonos sp. nov. is described and illustrated using line drawings, transmitted light and SEM imaging. It is characterized by an extraordinary richness of notogastral setae (ca. 166 pairs) that has been previously unseen among phthiracaroid mites. The species originates from the material collected from the litter of primary forest in the Peruvian Andes. The genus Protophthiracarus is well represented in the Neotropical Region. Many species of ptyctimous mites have been found in Peru, representing both widespread and endemic biogeographic elements. Among a total of 37 species, 20 from Peru have been described for the first time. Currently, the ptyctimous fauna consists of 12 endemite, 11 neotropical, 4 semicosmopolitan and 9 pantropical biogeographic elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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18 pages, 3237 KiB  
Article
A Review of the Feather Mite Genus Lopharalichus Gaud & Atyeo, 1996 (Acariformes: Pterolichidae), with Descriptions of Three New Species from Brazilian Parrots (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae)
by Fabio Akashi Hernandes
Animals 2023, 13(14), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142360 - 19 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 950
Abstract
Feather mites of the genus Lopharalichus Gaud & Atyeo, 1996 (Pterolichidae: Pterolichinae), formerly containing three described species, are associated with New World parrots (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) of the subfamily Arinae. Three new species of this genus are described: Lopharalichus tuimsp. nov. from Forpus [...] Read more.
Feather mites of the genus Lopharalichus Gaud & Atyeo, 1996 (Pterolichidae: Pterolichinae), formerly containing three described species, are associated with New World parrots (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) of the subfamily Arinae. Three new species of this genus are described: Lopharalichus tuimsp. nov. from Forpus xanthopterygius (Spix, 1824), L. spinosussp. nov. from Ara ararauna (Linnaeus, 1758), and L. chiririsp. nov. from Brotogeris chiriri (Vieillot, 1818). Type specimens of the previously described Lopharalichus species were examined, and a key to the known species is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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39 pages, 21472 KiB  
Article
New Definition of Neoprotereunetes Fain et Camerik, Its Distribution and Description of the New Genus in Eupodidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Eupodoidea)
by Ronald Laniecki and Wojciech L. Magowski
Animals 2023, 13(13), 2213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132213 - 05 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1073 | Correction
Abstract
The genus Neoprotereunetes Fain et Camerik, 1994 is revised and its definition is extended in order to incorporate some species of the invalid genus Protereunetes Berlese, 1923. The former type species Neoprotereunetes—Ereunetes lapidarius Oudemans, 1906 is redescribed and transferred to Filieupodes Jesionowska, 2010 [...] Read more.
The genus Neoprotereunetes Fain et Camerik, 1994 is revised and its definition is extended in order to incorporate some species of the invalid genus Protereunetes Berlese, 1923. The former type species Neoprotereunetes—Ereunetes lapidarius Oudemans, 1906 is redescribed and transferred to Filieupodes Jesionowska, 2010 (Cocceupodidae); Proterunetes boerneri is redescribed and designated the new type species. Two species groups are proposed to embrace Arctic and Antarctic species, respectively. Protereunetes paulinae Gless, 1972 is redescribed, whereas Protereunetes maudae Strandtmann, 1967 is redescribed and designated the type species of the new genus Antarcteupodes gen. nov. A key to the species of Neopretereunetes is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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19 pages, 2508 KiB  
Article
Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Laelapidae Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata)
by Evelina Kaminskienė, Jana Radzijevskaja, Loreta Griciuvienė, Michal Stanko, Justina Snegiriovaitė, Dalytė Mardosaitė-Busaitienė and Algimantas Paulauskas
Animals 2023, 13(13), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132185 - 03 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1114
Abstract
The family Laelapidae (Dermanyssoidea) is morphologically and ecologically the most diverse group of Mesostigmata mites. Although molecular genetic data are widely used in taxonomic identification and phylogenetic analysis, most classifications in Mesostigmata mites are based solely on morphological characteristics. In the present study, [...] Read more.
The family Laelapidae (Dermanyssoidea) is morphologically and ecologically the most diverse group of Mesostigmata mites. Although molecular genetic data are widely used in taxonomic identification and phylogenetic analysis, most classifications in Mesostigmata mites are based solely on morphological characteristics. In the present study, eight species of mites from the Laelapidae (Dermanyssoidea) family collected from different species of small rodents in Lithuania, Norway, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic were molecularly characterized using the nuclear (28S ribosomal RNA) and mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene) markers. Obtained molecular data from 113 specimens of mites were used to discriminate between species and investigate the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity among Laelapidae mites from six genera. This study provides new molecular data on Laelaps agilis, Laelaps hilaris, Laelaps jettmari, Haemogamasus nidi, Eulaelaps stabularis, Hyperlaelaps microti, Myonyssus gigas, and Hirstionyssus sp. mites collected from different rodent hosts and geographical regions in Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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11 pages, 1716 KiB  
Article
Species Composition of Parasitic Mites of the Subfamily Picobiinae (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) Associated with African Barbets (Piciformes: Lybiidae)
by Bozena Sikora, Mathieu Mahamoud-Issa, Markus Unsoeld, Martin Hromada and Maciej Skoracki
Animals 2023, 13(12), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13122007 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 875
Abstract
In this study, we conducted a parasitological investigation of the quill mite fauna of the subfamily Picobiinae (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Syringophilidae) associated with African barbets (Aves: Piciformes: Lybiidae). We examined twenty-seven host species, representing 57% of the forty-seven known host species in the family [...] Read more.
In this study, we conducted a parasitological investigation of the quill mite fauna of the subfamily Picobiinae (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Syringophilidae) associated with African barbets (Aves: Piciformes: Lybiidae). We examined twenty-seven host species, representing 57% of the forty-seven known host species in the family Lybiidae, belonging to seven genera (70% of the ten genera in the family). Our research revealed that ten host species were infested by three species of picobiine mites belonging to the genus Tanopicobia: (1) Tanopicobia hallae Sikora and Skoracki, sp. n., from three species of the genus Lybius and two species of the genus Tricholaema, (2) Tanopicobia stactolaema Sikora and Skoracki, sp. n., from two species of the genus Stactolaema, and (3) Tanopicobia trachyphoni Skoracki et al., 2020, collected from three host species of the genus Trachyphonus. Our findings demonstrate that birds belonging to the family Lybiidae have a specific parasite fauna consisting exclusively of mites of the genus Tanopicobia; this mite genus is apparently restricted to African barbets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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30 pages, 54767 KiB  
Article
A New Species of Ultratenuipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Brazil and Re-Description of Ultratenuipalpus meekeri (De Leon), the Type Species of the Genus, with DNA Barcodes
by Elizeu B. Castro, Jennifer J. Beard, Ronald Ochoa, Gary R. Bauchan, Gabriel Otero-Colina, Ashley P. G. Dowling, Antonio C. Lofego and Reinaldo J. F. Feres
Animals 2023, 13(11), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111838 - 01 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1116
Abstract
Species of the genus Ultratenuipalpus bear a broad subquadrate propodosoma with many large, flattened, lanceolate to ovate dorsal setae. They also bear some plesiomorphic character states, such as the presence of three pairs of ventral ps setae. Here, we describe Ultratenuipalpus parameekeri Castro, [...] Read more.
Species of the genus Ultratenuipalpus bear a broad subquadrate propodosoma with many large, flattened, lanceolate to ovate dorsal setae. They also bear some plesiomorphic character states, such as the presence of three pairs of ventral ps setae. Here, we describe Ultratenuipalpus parameekeri Castro, Ochoa & Feres sp. nov. based on adult females, males, and immatures, collected on ferns from Brazil. We also re-describe Ultratenuipalpus meekeri (De Leon), the type species of the genus, based on types and newly collected material from Mexico, and include additional novel data (e.g., dorsal and ventral ornamentation, leg chaetotaxy, and setal measurements) in a standardized form. We include highly detailed images obtained using LT-SEM, accompanied by DNA barcodes, for both species. The ontogenetic additions of leg chaetotaxy are presented and discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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26 pages, 7918 KiB  
Article
The Genus Neoseiulus Hughes (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Shanxi, China
by Yu Liu, Fang-Xu Ren, Qing-Hai Fan and Min Ma
Animals 2023, 13(9), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13091478 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1356
Abstract
The genus Neoseiulus in Shanxi Province is reviewed and seven species are recorded from the province. Four of these are redescribed and detailed taxonomic information are provided. Neoseiulus paraki (Ehara) is recorded for the first time in China and Neoseiulus neoreticuloides (Liang and [...] Read more.
The genus Neoseiulus in Shanxi Province is reviewed and seven species are recorded from the province. Four of these are redescribed and detailed taxonomic information are provided. Neoseiulus paraki (Ehara) is recorded for the first time in China and Neoseiulus neoreticuloides (Liang and Hu) is considered a new junior synonym of Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein). Additionally, a diagnostic key to the known species of Neoseiulus in Shanxi is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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26 pages, 7327 KiB  
Article
The Unique Cauda-Liked Structure Represents a New Subfamily of Cunaxidae: Description of New Taxa and Discussion on Functional Morphology
by Jianxin Chen, Maoyuan Yao, Jianjun Guo, Tianci Yi and Daochao Jin
Animals 2023, 13(8), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081363 - 15 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1465
Abstract
A cauda-like structure was found, firstly in Cunaxidae, and with it the new taxa Cunaxicaudinae Chen & Jin subfam. nov., and its two new genera, Cunaxicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov. (type genus) and Brevicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov., were erected. Cunaxicaudinae [...] Read more.
A cauda-like structure was found, firstly in Cunaxidae, and with it the new taxa Cunaxicaudinae Chen & Jin subfam. nov., and its two new genera, Cunaxicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov. (type genus) and Brevicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov., were erected. Cunaxicaudinae Chen & Jin subfam. nov. differs from the known members of the family Cunaxidae by the unique conspicuous cauda derived from the posterior end of the hysterosoma. The generic features of Cunaxicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov. are as follows: the posterior of the hysterosoma elongated as a much longer cauda; palp between genu and tibiotarsus without apophysis; e1 closer to d1 than f1; and e1 closer to mid-line than c1 and d1. The generic features of Brevicaudus Chen & Jin gen. nov. are as follows: the posterior of hysterosoma elongated as a short cauda; palp between genu and tibiotarsus with one apophysis; distance between setae e1 and d1 approximately equal to e1; and f1, e1 as close to mid-line as c1 and d1 to mid-line. It is proposed that the specialized cauda may be the result of the evolution of the sperm transfer mode. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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1 pages, 160 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Laniecki, R.; Magowski, W.L. New Definition of Neoprotereunetes Fain et Camerik, Its Distribution and Description of the New Genus in Eupodidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata: Eupodoidea). Animals 2023, 13, 2213
by Ronald Laniecki and Wojciech L. Magowski
Animals 2023, 13(24), 3761; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243761 - 06 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 423
Abstract
Authors’ address correction: [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Behaviour of Mites)
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